Local tourism operators met last Wednesday, 27 July to discuss ways to boost tourism in Whyalla and incorporate Whyalla into the existing Building Eyre Peninsula’s Tourism Industry Plan for the Eyre Peninsula.  

The meeting was the first held in Whyalla for the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula building tourism project.

The meeting was a brainstorming session to help create a list of tourism initiatives coming directly from those working in the industry.

Participants included Whyalla Visitor Centre visitor operations supervisor Jenny Barnes, Whyalla Diving Services owner Tony Bramley and CEO of the City of Whyalla, Ian Burfitt.

Tourism operators from surrounding areas such as Adventure Bay Charters owner Matt Waller and Director of Lincoln Estate Wines and Glen Forest Farm Deidre Turvey from Port Lincoln, were also in attendance.

During an in-depth presentation RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula chief executive officer Mark Cant said a substantial amount of work had already been undertaken for the project.

Research including surveys across all the local councils, have been undertaken to identify opportunities for great tourism growth.

One such initiative is the creation of unique Marketing and Branding messages for the culinary strengths in the local area such as the fresh produce available.

“We have created a branding platform that will be unique to the flavours of this region, such as tuna, kingfish, oysters and snapper, with the potential to create signature dishes.

Source:  Whyalla News, http://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/news/local/news/business/tourism-strength-in-numbers/2248711.aspx